Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to hosting a workout series on television. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying process known as "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller stars Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from covering world issues to join an opulent ship with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other filthy rich passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills in this clever supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror remains effective even without a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has rendered the local kids anxious. After Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Chastain succeeds to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. Both actors are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
